Kamala Harris has officially ruled out a run for the post of California Governor, ending speculation about her possible return to state politics. In a statement issued on July 30, the former US Vice President said she had given the matter “serious thought” but had ultimately decided not to contest for the top post in her home state.
“Over the past six months, I have spent time reflecting on this moment in our nation’s history, and the best way for me to continue fighting for the American people and advancing the values and ideals I hold dear,” Harris said.
Her decision comes after months of uncertainty in California’s political landscape, where many expected Harris to be a frontrunner if she entered the race. According to Politico, the search for a successor to current California Governor Gavin Newsom had remained largely static as the political establishment waited for Harris to announce her plans.
In her statement, Harris described her long-standing commitment to public service and explained how she has approached leadership throughout her career.
“I am a devout public servant, and from the earliest days of my career, I have believed that the best way I could make a difference in people’s lives and fight for a better future was to improve the system from within. And it has been a profound honor to do that work and serve the people of California and our nation—as a prosecutor, Attorney General, United States Senator, and Vice President,” she said.
My statement on the California governor's race and the fight ahead. pic.twitter.com/HYzK1BIlhD
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 30, 2025
Harris, who was defeated by Donald Trump in the 2024 US presidential election, has reportedly been considering other political options. The Washington Post noted that her decision not to run for governor keeps open the possibility of a White House bid in 2028. The former Vice President has also been exploring new platforms and advocacy initiatives to remain active in public life, in line with the issues she highlighted during her 2024 campaign.
“In recent months, I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their Governor. I love this state, its people, and its promise. It is my home. But after deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for Governor in this election,” she said.
This is not the first time Harris has stepped away from a gubernatorial bid. Earlier in her political career, she chose to run for the US Senate instead, based on her policy focus and experience as California’s former attorney general.
She also used the occasion to comment on the broader state of American politics. “We must recognize that our politics, our government, and our institutions have too often failed the American people, culminating in this moment of crisis. As we look ahead, we must be willing to pursue change through new methods and fresh thinking—committed to our same values and principles, but not bound by the same playbook,” she said.
While Harris stated she would not be seeking elected office for now, she confirmed her continued involvement in political activities, including efforts to support Democratic candidates across the country. “I look forward to getting back out and listening to the American people, helping elect Democrats across the nation who will fight fearlessly, and sharing more details in the months ahead about my own plans,” she said.
She concluded her statement with a message centred on civic responsibility and democratic values: “In the United States of America, power must lie with the people. And We, the People must use our power to fight for freedom, opportunity, fairness, and the dignity of all. I will remain in that fight.”
